Gas, heating, and water prices will rise: when will utility tariffs increase in Ukraine.

The National Bank of Ukraine expects an increase in utility tariffs in the coming years, specifically starting from 2026. This was announced by the NBU in its Inflation Report for April.

This year, tariffs for gas, heating, and hot water will remain unchanged. However, in the future, these tariffs will gradually be adjusted due to issues in the energy sector and the need for fiscal consolidation. The adjustment of tariffs to economically justified levels is planned for 2026.

Maintaining current tariffs will lead to a decrease in inflation in the short term, but the involvement of state energy companies will be compromised. This will also lead to increased risks in the energy market, limited investment opportunities in the sector, and pressure on prices in the future.

At the same Time, as noted by the NBU, overly rapid and significant price increases for energy resources, while helping to eliminate imbalances in the energy sector, will increase inflationary pressure and require an increase in subsidies for the population.

Earlier, expert Popenko explained how Ukrainians were misled regarding utility payments.

Analysis:

According to the NBU Inflation Report, the government plans to increase utility tariffs starting from 2026 with the aim of bringing them to economically justified levels. This may lead to a decrease in inflation in the short term but will negatively impact the financial situation of state energy companies and create price pressure for the future. A sharp increase in energy resource prices will also lead to inflationary pressure and increase the need for subsidies for citizens. The anticipated rise in utility tariffs is an important step in ensuring the sustainability and economic justification of the sector.